Boston University: Financial Aid For International Students?

Boston University offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. However, when it comes to international students, the situation is a bit different. International students are not eligible for need-based financial aid from Boston University, the state, or the federal government. This type of aid is reserved for US citizens and eligible non-citizens. Nonetheless, international students at Boston University are not without options. They can apply for merit-based scholarships, such as the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship, which are awarded competitively to those with exceptional academic records. Additionally, international students can explore private credit-based loan options, although these may require a creditworthy US citizen or permanent resident co-borrower.

Boston University scholarships for international students

Boston University offers a range of scholarships for international students. However, it is important to note that international students are not eligible for need-based financial aid from Boston University, the state, or the federal government. All need-based financial aid is reserved for US citizens and eligible non-citizens.

Merit-Based Scholarships

International students at Boston University are considered for two merit-based scholarships: the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. Both scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to students with outstanding academic records. To be eligible, candidates must apply for admission by December 1.

Alumni & Friends Scholarships

First-year international students can also apply for the Alumni & Friends Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to a select number of first-year students from diverse geographic regions and academic interests. The value of these scholarships ranges from $10,000 to the full cost of attendance.

External Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships offered by Boston University, international students can explore external scholarships provided by private agencies and organisations. These include the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund for female international students, scholarships highlighted by the International Institute of Education (such as Fulbright awards), and funding opportunities offered by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Loans

International students can also consider credit-based educational loans offered by lenders. While most lenders require a creditworthy US citizen or eligible non-citizen cosigner, there are a few lenders, such as MPower Financing and Prodigy Finance, that do not have this requirement. However, their interest rates and terms may be less favourable.

Loans for international students

Boston University does not offer need-based financial aid to international students. However, international applicants are considered for two merit-based scholarships: the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. Both scholarships are offered on a competitive basis to applicants with outstanding academic records.

International students can also explore private credit-based loan options. Most lenders offering credit-based educational loans to international students require a creditworthy US citizen or eligible non-citizen cosigner. However, there are a few lenders that do not require a cosigner, such as MPower Financing and Prodigy Finance. It is important to carefully compare the interest rates and terms offered by different lenders.

Additionally, international students can explore external sources of funding, such as scholarships and grants offered by organisations like EduPass, the International Institute of Education, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Private scholarships for international students

Boston University does not offer need-based financial aid to international students. However, international applicants are considered for two merit-based scholarships: the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. Both scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to applicants with outstanding academic records. The Trustee Scholarship is the university's most distinguished award, recognising 20 exceptional students annually with full tuition and fees coverage. The Presidential Scholarship, on the other hand, is available to outstanding students globally and offers a USD 25,000 annual award.

In addition to these university scholarships, there are several private scholarships that international students at Boston University can apply for:

• K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad: This scholarship is awarded by the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and is based on merit. The maximum amount offered is ₹ 10 L, and the number of awardees varies.
• Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: This scholarship is offered by The World Bank and is also merit-based. It offers a maximum amount of ₹ 37.5 L.
• Amberscholar Scholarship: This scholarship is provided by Amber Scholar and is based on both need and merit. The maximum scholarship amount is ₹ 7.8 L.
• Zolve Global Scholarship: Awarded by Zolve, this scholarship is merit-based and offers a maximum amount of ₹ 1.7 L. The application deadline for this scholarship is 1 February 2024.
• Northwestern Financial Aid Awards for International Students: This need-based scholarship is offered by Northwestern University, and the maximum amount awarded is ₹ 73.4 L.
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: This scholarship, provided by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, is merit-based and offers a maximum amount of ₹ 83.1 L.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships: This scholarship is awarded by the European Commission and is merit-based.
• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc. candidates- (All countries except the UK): Offered by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India, this scholarship is based on both need and merit. The maximum amount offered is ₹ 14.2 L, and the application deadline is 1 April 2024.

Eligibility requirements for international students

Boston University offers financial aid to international students in the form of merit-based scholarships. However, international students are not eligible for need-based financial aid from Boston University, the state, or the federal government. Here are the eligibility requirements for international students seeking financial aid:

Merit-Based Scholarships:

• International students at Boston University are considered for merit-based scholarships, specifically the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship.
• These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded to students with outstanding academic records.
• The application deadline for these scholarships is December 1.
• International students can visit the BU Admissions website for detailed information about application requirements.

Documentation of Financial Support:

• International students applying for admission to Boston University must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
• This documentation is required for students studying on an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
• The financial documentation must be current, typically within 12 months of the starting date at the university.
• All documented sources of support must be readily available or liquid (stocks or non-liquid investments are not accepted).
• The name of the owner of the bank account must match the name of the sponsor signing the Confidential Statement for Financing Studies & Sponsorship Support Confirmation form.

English Proficiency:

• International students whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency by taking one of the accepted English language tests: TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET).
• The minimum required scores vary for each test, with competitive applicants typically achieving higher scores.
• Students can also schedule an optional interview with InitialView or Vericant to further demonstrate their English language proficiency.

Academic Records and Credentials:

• International applicants must submit secondary school records, counselor recommendations, school report forms, and any terminating or qualifying examination results or certificates.
• All documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a notarized English translation, with both the original and the translation provided.

Additional Requirements:

• A copy of the data page of the applicant's current, valid passport is required.
• Standardized test scores are optional, and applicants can decide whether to include them in their application.
• Early Decision applicants are required to submit financial documentation by the application deadline.

It is important for international students to carefully review all the requirements and submit a complete application to be considered for admission and financial aid at Boston University.

Work opportunities for international students

Boston University does not offer need-based financial aid to international students. However, international students are considered for merit-based scholarships, specifically the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. These scholarships are offered on a competitive basis to applicants with outstanding academic records.

Now, here is some information on work opportunities for international students:

International students at Boston University have several work opportunities available to them, both on and off-campus. Here are some options to consider:

On-Campus Employment:

As an international student with F-1 or J-1 immigration status, you are authorized to work on the Boston University campus during your program. There are two main types of on-campus employment:

• Positions paid directly by the Student Employment Office (SEO): This includes jobs such as departmental admin positions, laboratory research positions, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and dining services.
• Positions paid by a third party: These are jobs meant for BU students and serving the BU community, such as working at Agganis Arena or the Barnes and Noble BU Bookstore.

Off-Campus Internships:

International students with work authorization may seek off-campus internships related to their major field. Many internships require authorization, whether paid or unpaid. You can find opportunities through the Student Job Service, the Job Board, or Quickie Jobs for short-term employment.

Research Assistantships and Teaching Fellowships:

If you have been offered a Research Assistantship (RA) or Teaching Fellowship (TF) as part of your scholarship package, this counts as an on-campus job, typically with a 20-hour commitment.

Student Leadership Positions:

After completing their freshman year, students can apply for selective student leadership positions such as Orientation Leaders, Community Service Coordinators, and Resident Assistants in the dormitories.

Work After Graduation:

Many international students want to stay in the US temporarily after graduation to gain more experience. Options for doing so depend on your status:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): For F-1 students, this authorizes work experience related to your major field of study.
• 17-Month STEM Extension of OPT: Available for F-1 students in STEM fields.
• Academic Training (AT): For J-1 students, this permits off-campus work, training, or experience related to their field of study, either before or after their program.

Remember to always check with the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) and understand the limits of your immigration status before accepting any employment. Additionally, most international students cannot work for anyone but BU until after graduation, so be sure to review the regulations carefully.

Frequently asked questions